Foreign Relations of the United States, 1952–1954, Africa and South Asia, Volume XI, Part 1

772.00/2–2354: Telegram

The Chargé in France (Achilles) to the Department of State¹

confidential

Paris, February 23, 1954—8 p.m.

3037. Re Tunisian reforms, Basdevant Foreign Office tells us that:

(1) Within next few days French Government should reach decision on reform proposals which Resident General Voizard discussed yesterday with Foreign Minister Bidault. Voizard will then return to Tunisia and after obtaining Bey’s approval will proceed at once with Cabinet changes and promulgation of reforms.

(2) New Cabinet will include General Saadalah, Belkhodja, Ben Salem but not Ben Rais and Ghacham, Ministers of Commerce and Health respectively in present Cabinet who will be given other important posts in compensation.

(3) Mzali will take title of President of Council, and not Prime Minister. Ministry will have Tunisian majority. Two new ministers being created, one for religious institutions and one for reconstruction. Powers of Secretary General will be considerably reduced.

(4) All Tunisian Assembly to be created with members elected by two-stage elections. Will have consultative powers only but certain arrangements are envisaged which will virtually assume that its advice will be followed. Elected French delegation attached to Resident General will sit with Tunisian Assembly when budgetary and economic matters are being discussed. Basdevant indicated all details regarding these two bodies not yet finalized but they will have features making them more attractive to Tunisians than those proposed in the June 1952 reforms.

(5) Reforms re civil service and creation of administrative tribunal will be taken up later as they are considered less urgent.

Achilles

1. This telegram was repeated to Tunis.